Consider the following statements regarding a catalyst in chemical rea...
Understanding Catalysts
A catalyst is a crucial component in many chemical reactions, but it is important to understand its characteristics correctly.
Statement 1: Catalyst Consumption
- A catalyst does not get completely consumed in a reaction.
- It facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy, thereby increasing the reaction rate.
- After the reaction, the catalyst remains unchanged and can be reused.
Thus, this statement is incorrect.
Statement 2: Platinum as a Catalyst
- Platinum is indeed widely recognized as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, such as in catalytic converters in automobiles and in organic synthesis.
- Its unique properties allow it to effectively accelerate reactions without being consumed in the process.
Therefore, this statement is correct.
Conclusion
Given that statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct, the answer to the question is option B: 2 only.
Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping the role catalysts play in chemistry, particularly in industrial applications and environmental science.
Consider the following statements regarding a catalyst in chemical rea...
- A catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy, without itself undergoing any permanent change or being consumed in the reaction. o In other words, a catalyst increases the reaction rate by lowering the energy barrier (activation energy) for the reaction to occur, facilitating the conversion of reactants into products.
- Key points about catalysts:
- Speeding up Reactions: Catalysts accelerate the rate of chemical reactions by providing an alternative reaction pathway that requires less energy for the formation of products.
- Remains Unchanged: A catalyst is not consumed in the reaction, and at the end of the reaction, it is regenerated and can be used again in subsequent reactions. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
- Specific to Reactions: Catalysts are specific to particular reactions or types of reactions. They do not alter the equilibrium position of a reaction but influence the kinetics, making the reaction proceed faster.
- Not a Reactant or Product: A catalyst is not a reactant, and it does not appear in the stoichiometry of the balanced chemical equation for the reaction. It is not a part of the final products formed.
- Can be Homogeneous or Heterogeneous: Catalysts can be in the same phase as the reactants (homogeneous catalysis) or in a different phase (heterogeneous catalysis).
- Examples: Common catalysts include transition metals (such as platinum, palladium, and nickel), enzymes in biological systems, acid or base catalysts, and various solid materials with catalytic properties.
- Platinum is indeed a commonly used catalyst in various chemical reactions, particularly in heterogeneous catalysis where the catalyst is in a different phase from the reactants. Platinum's catalytic properties are utilized in reactions such as hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions in the chemical industry. Hence statement 2 is correct.
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